North West Hydrogen Alliance focuses on low-carbon transportation

A survey commissioned by the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) has revealed that 69% of 2,000 people believe it is important for every UK household to move away from fossil fuelled cars.

The survey highlighted a difference in generations to climate change beliefs. Nearly 80% of 16-24- and 25-34-year olds support the more to low-carbon fuelled cars, against 58% of those over 55.

The survey also highlighted that 60% of 16-24-year olds have considering buying an electric car compared to 27% of over 55s.

Half of those surveyed were aware of hydrogen as an alternative low-carbon fuel for cars and is already being used to fuel buses and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in the UK.

“The issue of climate change has never been higher up the agenda and hydrogen could be a vital part of the decarbonisation picture,” said Professor Joseph Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director of the Thornton Energy Institute, at the University of Chester.

“More than two-thirds of people recognise we need to find alternative low carbon fuels for UK cars and it’s encouraging to see that over 50% are aware of the role hydrogen could play.”

A series of projects are already underway across the North West which are driving forward the use of hydrogen in the transport sector, including hydrogen trains and buses.

“It’s encouraging to know that the public are so strongly behind the journey to clean and sustainable transport,” said Geraint Bruton, Business Manager – Clean Fuels, BOC.

“Now what needs to happen is that hydrogen vehicles must catch up with electric vehicles in terms of public visibility, infrastructure and support. Like battery electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles don’t produce any harmful tailpipe emissions and they benefit from increased range and faster refuelling times.”

A study is currently underway to look at the feasibility of using hydrogen produced at chemical company INOVYN’s Runcorn site to power buses on the street of Liverpool.

It was also recently announced the Liverpool City Region will become the first area in the North of England to trial hydrogen buses following a £6.4m government funding bid, with a new refuelling station at BOC’s hydrogen plant in St Helens.

“Transport is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector of the UK economy,” said Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.

“If we, as a city region, are to meet our commitment to becoming zero carbon by 2040, action is clearly needed to move to other fuel sources and hydrogen could play an important part in that process.”

Molly Burgess is the News Journalist at H2 View. Molly is primarily responsible for North American news and exclusives across the website and looks forward to hearing from you – and telling your story.